Freedom Fest 2011

Blake Shelton

July 4th weekend - I love it! This year we went to Ft. Polk's Freedom Fest. Basically it was like a big carnival with a concert and fireworks to top it all off. After planting our chairs and claiming our spot on the lawn we were able to walk around and see some of the booths that were set up. I even got to get in a few Army vehicles/aircraft. It was so cool. Ryan got to show me what he would ride in/drive while he was in Afghanistan.

We were also really excited to have the Urbanek Family join us with their little girl Marissa. We all pigged out on fair food as we waited for the concert to start. The most popular items were chicken on a stick, cotton candy, and roasted corn. YUM! Blake Shelton was the music star playing for the troops. It was a good concert and we had a blast dancing the night away.

Finally there were the fireworks - every 4th of July tradition. The newspapers claimed that this firework show was the largest in Central Louisiana! Uumm.....cricket...cricket..... Not to be critical but shooting one firework up at a time for 15 minutes does not seem like a firework hit AND if that was the largest in Central Louisiana then I would sure hate to see the other shows! I will have to give it to them though, they finally got multiple shots in the air there at the end. :) I guess we are just used to our large hometown firework shows.



Summer Love!

Even though this has been a holiday weekend, Ryan has been working. Normally he would complain about this (me too), but this work has actually been an honor. He has served on 2 funeral details - meaning he has been a part of a Military burial. One was in New Orleans, were the funeral was for a WW2 vet who participated in the invasion of Normandy. Ryan mentioned that it was one of the biggest honors to be a part of this funeral. I think that is the best 4th of July story! As we enjoy our fun filled long weekend, we need to remember the real reason we celebrate it - to remember ALL of those who have helped and continue to help give us our Freedom!